Five Dead, Including Suspect, in Michigan Shootings

Authorities announced the tragic deaths of a teenage boy and four adults on Friday, following a shooting incident that sparked a large search for the gunman. The suspect’s body was found in a wooded area beside one of his victims. A teenage girl, also shot, remains in stable condition, according to police.

Chad Hickman, aged 39, was discovered dead in Missaukee County, as per police reports. The victims’ ages and genders were disclosed on Saturday, though there was no confirmation on any familial ties between them or with the suspect.

On Friday morning, officers responded to reports of a shooting at a residence located approximately 170 miles northwest of Detroit. Michigan State Police found the bodies of a 16-year-old boy, a 45-year-old man, and a 40-year-old woman. A 13-year-old girl was in critical condition at the time.

Following this, Hickman fled, prompting a widespread search effort. Police later discovered the body of a 53-year-old man at a second home. Ultimately, Hickman was found dead alongside a 29-year-old woman in a wooded area. Police confirmed that all the victims succumbed to gunshot wounds.

This situation is heartbreaking for the community and challenging for the investigators involved, said Lt. Ashley Miller in a Friday statement. She added that the investigation continues as of Saturday.

Court records reveal Hickman was convicted in 2024 for misdemeanor fourth-degree child abuse. He received a one-year jail sentence for this conviction. Charges for felony assault and criminal sexual conduct in the same case were dismissed by the court.

Tim Penrose, a resident near where the 53-year-old was found, mentioned that Hickman lived in that home. Although he heard gunshots, he dismissed them initially due to residing in a rural area where gunfire occurs frequently. Penrose reported Hickman had a history of harassment towards him and his wife, though he did not elaborate.

Governor Gretchen Whitmer expressed her concerns on Friday, stating, My thoughts are with the victims, their families, and the Missaukee community.

Associated Press journalist Hallie Golden provided additional reporting. GaNun is part of the Associated Press/Report for America Statehouse News Initiative, a nonprofit service placing journalists in local newsrooms to cover under-reported topics.